To those of you who are unfamiliar with the equestrian world and more specifically the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), regionals are the equestrian version of states. For most high school sports teams, the goal of the regular season is to go to regionals. Whereupon winning regionals, one goes to zones {Interstate) and then nationals. Therefore, our team gettinginto regionals in their first year as a varsity sport is a great accomplishment. Middleburg Academy riders scored very well for being a team of five, where most of the other schools competing had over 15 riders.

"As a senior, I am reflecting back to when I first arrived at Middleburg Academy in the fall of my freshman year, and there was no equestrian team," said Madison Busey. ~With a shared passion between me and two other students, as well as a very qualified and enthusiastic coach, we are able to bring a team 10 life. We may have started off with only three members, but throughout each year the team grew bigger and stronger."

Middleburg Academy is an independent school serving grades 8 through 12, with small classes, dedicated faculty, full STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) curriculum, excellent athletics, and a remarkable record of graduates excelling at top universities. The campus in Middleburg, Virginia, is set on a 90-acre estate. More than 20 percent of the student body comes from abroad, and students benefit from an eight-to-one student to faculty ratio. There are 16 sports teams. For more information, visit middleburgacademy.org. ML